New Luther College President ushers in academic year

Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward gave her first Presidential Address Wednesday, in the Main Hall of the Center for Faith and Life on Luther's campus. The President's speech was part of the Service of Dedication, an annual Luther College event ushering in the new academic year and introducing new staff and faculty to the Luther College community. In attendance were current Luther College faculty, staff, and emeriti, as well as Luther alumni and community members.

Prior to President Ward's address, new faculty and staff were introduced by office administrators and Dean Kevin Kraus. Before his introduction of new faculty, Kraus asked Luther emeriti to stand, noting "They—and others with them—helped build this college, and the new faculty have much to learn from their experience and wisdom."

In her address to the college, President Ward began to articulate for the Luther community her vision for the future. During her speech, Ward praised Luther's unique history, the college's commitment to education and truth-seeking, and the enormous talent and creativity of the Luther College faculty and staff. Given the tough situation of higher education, Ward was optimistic and hopeful when she noted the need for reform and adaptation at Luther to ensure its sustainable future.

"Change is continuous," said Ward. "Adaptation must be as well. And Luther must stay Luther. But not the Luther preserved in the amber of our memories, but rather the future Luther College, regardless of past or present form."

Ward broadly outlined some priorities of her administration, including bolstering financial aid, firming-up retention rates, and maintaining a balanced and reliable budget. Echoing her speech to the Decorah Rotary on Tuesday, President Ward noted the importance of a mutually beneficial partnership with the Decorah community.

Near the end of her address, Ward praised her colleagues: "We have so many bright stars at Luther and our task is to work towards the constellation."

At the end of her speech, Ward noted the need for trust and optimism in these times of change and closed her speech invoking the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: "Now is the time. Now is the time. Now is the time."